Welcome to Week 2: Hearing and Believing!
Beloved family in Christ! As we continue our 40+ day journey through Philemon, this week we focus on Hearing and Believing. Just as Paul expressed gratitude for Philemon’s faith, we will be cultivating a listening heart and seeking to deepen our trust in God’s power to transform.
This week, we will be exploring the importance of listening to testimonies, extending love to all, acting on our faith, finding refreshment in the Spirit, and dedicating time to hearing the Holy Spirit. We believe that by intentionally focusing on these areas, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of His will for our lives.
We encourage you to fully engage with each daily reading, reflect on the questions, and lift up the prayer prompts. Let’s open our hearts to hear God’s voice and believe in His power to work in and through us! We are excited to continue this journey alongside you. Share your reflections and insights using #H4JPawa #H4JBatuhan #HomesForJesus #Philemon.
Week 2 Devotional Readings: Hearing and Believing (Philemon 4-7)
Overall Theme: Cultivating a Listening Heart and Faith in God’s Power to Transform
Day 8: Gratitude for Faith
Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Paul expresses gratitude for Philemon’s faith (Philemon 4-5). Today, let’s turn our hearts toward thankfulness for the faith we see in others, especially those who have inspired us. What individuals have demonstrated unwavering faith in your life? Reflect on how their faith has impacted your own spiritual journey.
Reflective Question: In what specific ways can you express gratitude for the faith of someone who has influenced you?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, thank you for the examples of faith I have witnessed. Help me to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for others.
Day 9: Hearing Testimonies
Revelation 12:11: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
Testimony is powerful! Today, consider the importance of sharing stories of God’s faithfulness and answered prayer. Recall a time when hearing someone’s testimony strengthened your faith. Seek out an opportunity to listen to a testimony, and consider how you might share your own story with others.
Reflective Question: What part of your own faith journey can you share with someone today to encourage them?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, open my ears and heart to hear the stories of your faithfulness. Give me courage to share my own story with others.
Day 10: Love Towards All
1 John 4:20-21: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen… And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
Paul commends Philemon for his love towards all the saints (Philemon 5). Love is not selective; it extends to everyone, even those who are difficult to love. Consider someone you find challenging to love. Pray for a change in your heart and for the ability to see them as God sees them.
Reflective Question: What practical steps can you take to show love and compassion to someone you find challenging?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, fill me with your unconditional love. Help me to see others through your eyes and to extend love and compassion to all.
Day 11: Faith in Action
James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith is not merely a belief; it is a driving force that compels us to action. Review your actions of the past week. Do they reflect your faith? Is there an area where you need to step out in faith and take action?
Reflective Question: What is one practical way you can demonstrate your faith through action this week?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, strengthen my faith and guide my actions. Help me to live out my faith in tangible ways.
Day 12: Refreshment in the Spirit
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Paul desires that Philemon’s heart would be refreshed by the saints (Philemon 7). Today, seek out ways to be refreshed in the Spirit. Spend time in prayer, worship, or fellowship with other believers. Allow God to renew your strength and fill you with His peace.
Reflective Question: What activities or practices help you to feel refreshed in the Spirit?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, I come before you seeking refreshment and renewal. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and renew my strength.
Day 13: Joy in Hearing Good News
Proverbs 15:30: “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.”
Paul expresses joy in hearing of Philemon’s love. Joy is contagious! Seek out opportunities to share good news and encouragement with others. Spread joy and positivity, and be a source of uplifting for those around you.
Reflective Question: How can you be a source of “good news” for someone today?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me to be a source of joy and encouragement to others. Fill my heart with your joy, and help me to share it with the world.
Day 14: Listening to the Holy Spirit
John 16:13: “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
This day is dedicated to intentionally listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Find a quiet place, read Scripture, pray, and listen for God’s still, small voice. Be open to hearing His direction for your life and be willing to follow where He leads.
Reflective Question: What specific areas of your life are you seeking God’s guidance in?
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, I invite you to speak to my heart. Help me to hear your voice and to follow your leading in all areas of my life.